Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust’s Specialist Care unit in Wimpole Street, Westminster, has been rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission.
The service was rated Good for being safe, caring, responsive and well-led, following the inspection in January 2020. CQC inspected but did not have enough evidence to rate the effective domain.
The service has no overnight beds. Facilities include outpatient and diagnostic facilities. The provider, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, is a specialist heart and lung trust.
This was the first time CQC had inspected this location since it registered with CQC in 2016. It provides diagnostic imaging.
CQC found some outstanding practice in relation to diagnostic imaging. The service used high-tech imaging techniques to attain detailed images of the heart and respiratory system. The radioactive substances required for the scan were generated on-site and required significant expertise to set-up and run. The advanced imaging conducted was mainly used to treat NHS patients.
Inspectors found the service provided mandatory training in key skills to all staff - and made sure everyone completed it. Staff understood how to protect patients from abuse. They received training on how to recognise and report abuse.
Staff used equipment and control measures to protect patients, themselves and others from infection. They kept equipment and the premises visibly clean.
Staff kept detailed records of patients’ care and treatment. Records were clear, up to date, stored securely and easily available to all staff providing care. The service managed patient safety incidents well. When things went wrong, staff apologised and gave patients honest information and suitable support.
Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and took account of their individual needs. Staff provided emotional support to patients to minimise their distress. They supported and involved patients, families and carers to understand their condition and make decisions about their care and treatment.
Leaders had the skills and abilities to run the service. They understood and managed the priorities and issues the service faced. They were visible and approachable in the service for patients and staff. They supported staff to develop their skills.
Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of patients receiving care. The service had an open culture where patients, their families and staff could raise concerns without fear.
Nigel Acheson, Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals (London and the South) said:
“This was CQC’s first inspection of Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust’s Specialist Care unit in Westminster.
“We found a motivated and well-led staff that worked hard to improve patient care. We were impressed with the outstanding high-tech imaging techniques used to attain detailed images of the heart and respiratory system.”
We found a motivated and well-led staff that worked hard to improve patient care.
Nigel Acheson, Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals